Chelsea jump to head of FA Cup market

By Mark Langdon 7:41PM 18 MAR 2018

Chelsea had to scrap for FA Cup survival but after coming through a tough quarter-final against Leicester they have jumped to the head of the market at 13-8.

The Premier League champions will meet Southampton at Wembley in the last four following their extra-time success at the King Power Stadium, beating the Foxes 2-1 with Pedro capitalising on an error from home goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Jamie Vardy had earlier cancelled out Alvaro Morata's opener in normal time before Pedro sealed a last-four date and Hills make Chelsea 1-3 to reach the final with Southampton at 9-4.

Southampton booked their spot in the semi-finals with a 2-0 triumph over Wigan.

The Sky Bet League One hosts had been the superior side in the first period but Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg headed Southampton in front and Cedric Soares doubled the advantage late on.

It was the perfect result for new Southampton boss Mark Hughes even though Manolo Gabbiadini saw his second-half penalty saved.

Southampton are 14-1 to win the competition, while Tottenham and Manchester United have drifted to 11-5 and 5-2 respectively.

Debate will continue as to how much "home" advantage Spurs will take from playing their matches at Wembley this term and they are seen as narrow favourites to overcome United.

Hills rate Spurs 13-10 to win in 90 minutes with United at 13-8, however, Tottenham have lost their last seven FA Cup semi-finals and are sweating on the fitness of injured star striker Harry Kane, who will have a month to recover from his ankle problem with the ties to be played on the weekend of April 21-22.

Match in Focus

19:45 TODAY SKY

Arsenal v Tottenham

Home Win

Draw

Away Win

Key stats

Arsenal have scored two or more goals in five of their last seven matches

Expert verdict

Arsenal came from behind to get the better of rivals Tottenham in the Premier League earlier this month and should frank the form in their League Cup quarter-final clash. The Gunners’ 22-match unbeaten run finally came to an end at Southampton on Sunday, but the club has been rejuvenated by the arrival of Unai Emery. Spurs lacked the desire of their hosts in the recent 4-2 defeat at the Emirates.